"People need to think very seriously about what they are posting in any digital media forum, and if the intention is to cause harm to another person the consequences could be very serious, as we have seen here."

The legislation aims to deter harm caused through digital means such as email, social media and texting.

Offensive language with intention to cause emotional harm is enough to have charges laid.

Those charged under the Act can be jailed for up to two years or fined $50,000.